Robert Mancini praises Pablo Zabaleta for Man City’s win over Arsenal

Case for the defence: Zabaletaâs fine performance helped Manchester City to victory over Arsenal (Picture: SPORTSPHOTO)

David Silva bagged the second-half winner on Sunday, leaving City two points clear of neighbours Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

Along with Sergio Aguero , Yaya Toure and Mario Balotelli , Silva has hogged the headlines all season.

Yet Mancini is aware there would be no title tilt without the contribution of players like Zabaleta, a right-back who is capable of operating in midfield but who filled in at left-back on Sunday, and kept Theo Walcott in check.

âIn a top team there are 11 players,â said Mancini. âBut if we want to win andÂ improve, we need to have 20 goodÂ players that have a good attitude.

âPablo is a very clever player. He knew before the game it would be difficult. I told him if he played very well against Theo Walcott we would probably win the game.â

Zabaleta shrugged off the plaudits,Â insisting it was all part of the service.âWe had some problems with GaelÂ Clichy suspended and Aleksandar Kolarov injured,â added the 26-year-old.

âBut I have played many games atÂ left-back. It was no problem. I just want to do my best for the team.â

Cityâs attentions now turn toÂ tomorrowâs home showdown with Stoke. If the hosts claim at least a point, they will top the league table at Christmas for the first time since 1929.

But Mancini isnât expecting an easy task, saying: âIt will be hard against Stoke. They are a strong team, whoÂ defend very well. It will not be easy.â